Summary

Creates a competitive grant program run by the Department of Agriculture, working with HUD, to fund acquisition, renovation, construction, or operation of interim and permanent housing that serves people and families experiencing homelessness who have pets. Grants may pay for property work, pet-related operating costs, and staff/volunteer training; assisted housing must provide supportive services, basic veterinary and behavioral care, animal housing, and coordination with local service providers and Continuums of Care. The program is open to local governments, nonprofits, and housing/shelter providers (animal shelters/welfare orgs may partner but cannot be primary grantees) and is authorized at $5 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030, with annual grantee reporting requirements.

Key Points

• Creates a USDA-administered competitive grant program, coordinated with HUD, to fund housing that accommodates people experiencing homelessness with pets.
• Grant money can be used for property acquisition, construction, renovation, pet-related operating costs, and pet-care training for staff/volunteers.
• Assisted housing must provide supportive human services plus basic veterinary and behavioral services and appropriate animal housing or equipment.
• Eligible grantees are local governments, nonprofits, and housing/shelter providers; animal welfare organizations/animal shelters can partner but cannot be primary grantees.
• Applicants must submit use plans, partner arrangements, need assessments, and outreach strategies; grantees must file annual activity and cost reports.
• Program is authorized at $5 million per year from fiscal 2026 through 2030.
• Requires coordination with local veterinary providers, public services, and the Continuum of Care under McKinney-Vento.
• Focus is on integrating pet care into housing for unhoused people rather than creating standalone animal shelters.
• Competitive selection means funding will be limited and awarded based on criteria set by the Secretary.
• Reporting and defined service requirements create oversight and expectations for measurable program activities and costs.

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